Over the last few decades, there have been extraordinary advances in sports medicine and exercise science, particularly in the realm of athletic training and sports performance. These disciplines have become increasingly integrated in designing off-season and pre-season training protocols. By working together, they effectively address kinetic weaknesses, overuse injuries, and assist athletes in increasing power output in the safest environment possible.
Most programs at the high school level only focus on training in one or two planes of motion, often neglecting crucial elements such as proprioception and dynamic stabilization through the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Furthermore, they frequently overlook the correction of poor movement patterns. Excessive emphasis on weightlifting in a single plane of motion, combined with insufficient attention to proper movement mechanics utilizing multiplanar movements, limits athletes' progression and increases their susceptibility to injury. Incorporating reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) into your athletic training regimen elicits more of a type II muscle fiber response while also training the myotatic stretch reflex. Spending more time on exercises that mimic game-time speeds and scenarios—utilizing light muscle loading—will increase power output more effectively than strength and conditioning through weight training alone.
The recovery process is also a vital part of this equation, yet it is consistently overlooked, despite being critical for success in athletic training. Without adequate recovery, we systematically increase inflammation in the joint capsule and muscles. This can lead athletes down a path to pain, tendonitis, poor movement patterns, and eventually severe injuries. The periodization of your training program should incorporate periodic recovery days to ensure athletes can fully recuperate. For more information on how I can assist your athletes in reaching their peak performance, feel free to send us a message.